Maintaining ABA Therapy Progress Over the Summer Months

Are you concerned your child has or may drop skills over the summer months? There are signs to look for that could help you identify that happening sooner than later. One of the clearest signs that a skill is regressing is if the child fails to utilize a skill under conditions in which it was previously taught. For example, if a learner was taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom and maintained the skill for several weeks after learning it, but the parent observes them skipping this part of the toileting routine. This is a clear sign the learner might need a few booster teaching sessions. There could be several reasons why this happens. Read More

Autism & Toilet Training: Tips to Help Parents and Caregivers

Your child may be exhibiting signs they are ready to be toilet trained, or maybe you are just very eager to ditch the diapers. Toilet training a child requires the right balance between a child’s readiness to learn to use the toilet, and a parent’s readiness to do the training. When a child has autism, toilet training could come with specific challenges. What we know is that all children are different, so whether your child is diagnosed with autism or neurotypical, it’s a complicated process to sign up for. That said, a toilet trained child is quite an accomplishment for themselves and for the parent. Say goodbye to the cost of diapers or pull-ups and improve your child’s confidence in being able to independently use the restroom. It’s worthwhile to begin the process of toilet training once you believe it’s the right time to do so. Read More

April is Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy Month

During Autism Awareness Month, it’s a time to learn more surrounding the benefits of early and proper intervention programs, which have the power to alter the course for children with ASD. The reason that early intervention is so important is due to neuroplasticity, which generally refers to how someone’s brain can adapt and learn due to experience. Read More

Sleep Routine Tips for Children with Autism

Research has shown that as many as 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder are affected by sleep issues. Inconsistent or inadequate sleep can exacerbate problem behaviors, so establishing a more consistent bedtime routine is worth the effort. When a child has a regular bedtime, it creates a sense of predictability in family routines. But it’s not only for Monday through Friday. It’s important that newly established routines carry through seven days a week. When all caregivers are committed and abide by a consistent bedtime routine, a child is more likely to learn the skills to fall asleep & stay asleep without disruption. This is especially important for children with autism, who are frequently most successful with predictable and consistent schedules.Bedtime routines should be short, predictable and expected. School-age children typically need 10-11 hours of sleep, however, there is research that suggests children with autism may need less. Read More

A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for Children with Autism

ABA therapy is a flexible therapy that is adapted for each child. ABA stands for “applied behavior analysis” and teaches skills that are necessary and useful in everyday life. ABA therapy helps an individual become more independent over time and be as successful as possible in school and at home. It is designed based on each child’s individual needs and preferences to provide positive reinforcement in activities they do on a daily basis. It helps strengthen positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors. This guide based on the most commonly asked questions from parents will outline what is involved in ABA therapy and what to expect if you are considering it as a treatment option for your child. Read More

Acorn Health Announces Three New Locations Opening In Spring 2022

Acorn Health recognizes the growing need for children to have convenient access to quality care. Early intervention is key for children with autism to be able to achieve their greatest potential in life. Today, Acorn Health is proud to add three new locations to its growing U.S. footprint, which now includes 60 total locations. The three newest locations are scheduled to open by the end of March and April of 2022. Read More

Sensory-Friendly Activities to Try When Winter Weather Keeps You Indoors

Winter can be a challenging time of year for parents. When the temperatures plummet and the sun hides behind the clouds for months, finding appropriate and enjoyable activities for your child with autism can be difficult. If your child is currently involved in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, your child’s behavior analyst can be a great resource to ask for activity ideas to keep your child happy and healthy throughout the winter months. Acorn Health is sharing several creative ideas that you can try at home with your child, and these activities also serve as opportunities to practice principles from ABA therapy at home. Read More

Watch Us Grow: Acorn Health’s Year in Review

As we look back on 2021, we are incredibly moved and thankful for the progress our clients have made and the growth that Acorn Health has experienced. Most of all, it has been our honor to help more families and children across more communities than ever before.  As of the end of 2021, we have a total of 57 locations across seven states, all of which are accredited by the Behavioral Health Center of  Excellence®.  Acorn Health currently employs more than 1,200 qualified and passionate individuals who are committed to providing quality service to all clients and their families.  Read More

Fifteen Acorn Health Locations Achieve Full Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Accreditation

Acorn Health is pleased to announce that 15 of its locations recently achieved Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) Accreditation®. The newly accredited centers join the rest of Acorn Health’s locations across seven states in achieving the distinction. BHCOE Accreditation® was made possible because of the hard work from several key Acorn Health team members, including: Kaitlin Watson, Cassy Davis, Gerardo Castillo, Julie Meter, Kate McKinney, Jenna Kokoski, and Kelti Owens. Acorn Health plans to renew BHCOE Accreditation® for all its facilities next year. Read More

Autism and Food Aversions: 6 Tips to Make Mealtime Easier

Every night at dinner, many parents promise delicious ice cream if only their children eat the vegetables on their plates. For parents who have children with autism, the mealtime battles can feel much more difficult. It’s extremely common for children with autism to have food aversions and sensitivities. In fact, researchers at Marcus Autism Center at Emory University School of Medicine found children with autism had a 5 times more likely chance of mealtime challenges, including tantrums or ritualistic behaviors. Other research has shown that up to 70 percent of parents with autistic children say they experience very picky eating habits.  Read More